Suspension
- Significantly improved braking & steering, reduced unsprung mass and reduced bump steer
- 20mm lowered front with full damping characteristics
- Road and race approved through successful racing seasons with many installed systems & happy enthusiasts
These are the essential advantages of our Formula 3 brake system with CNC-milled wheel suspension.
Why a New Brake System?
A Caterham equipped with the AP 4-piston calipers derived from historic Formula 3 and vented brake discs on the front axle already delivers good braking performance. However, in racing conditions, we noticed that the braking force on the rear axle needs to be reduced when using AP brakes. This prompted us to develop a solution to improve the front axle braking.
Optimized Braking Performance through Innovation:
We discovered that both the Caterham Apollo wheel and our S3/S5 BBS wheel provide enough clearance to fit a modern Brembo Formula 3 brake disc with a larger diameter and matching monoblock calipers. While these could also be installed on the Caterham with special disc bells and adapter plates, this did not meet our standards. Our goal was to significantly reduce unsprung mass, achieve more precise steering, lower the front of the vehicle with the same suspension travel, and minimize the bump steer effect, in addition to better braking performance.
Innovative Upright Design:
As the standard Caterham uprights are based on a design from the 1950s, we commissioned one of the best motorsport designers in 2014 to develop a modern upright. Using state-of-the-art CAD 3D technology, Caterham components were scanned, integrated into the geometry, and then tested for strength using simulation software. The upright is CNC-machined from high-quality 7075 T6 aerospace aluminum and hard-anodized to military standards.
Proven Through Extensive Testing:
Before bringing this product to market, it was tested on eight different Caterham vehicles worldwide. The tests were conducted under various conditions—cold, heat, dry, and wet—both on normal roads and on demanding racetracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Hockenheim, Spa-Francorchamps, and Monza.
Outstanding Results:
Our customer Bill O'Brien from Hong Kong, owner of the renowned Black Art Racing Team, used the system in various races in China, achieving pole positions, overall and class wins, and fastest lap times. The breakthrough to overall victory in GT races was achieved with his S3 2.3L, largely thanks to the improved performance of our Formula 3 Brake & Upright Kit.
Since 2016, we have been providing our customers with a refined and technically advanced product that significantly enhances the performance and dynamics of the Caterham. Over 50 installed systems and exclusively satisfied customers confirm its success.
Advantages of the Brake System:
- Reduced unsprung mass by 5 kg for more precise and lighter steering.
- Improved braking performance and modulation through a brake bias valve and disc-friendly brake pads.
- 22 mm lower center of gravity for improved handling.
High-Quality Components:
Our kit includes exclusive, high-strength, and maintenance-free rod ends from Hirschmann. We also offer optional, lightweight air ducts made of heat-resistant carbon fiber, weighing only 43 grams, to provide additional cooling to the brake discs and enhance the racing look.
Kit Contents:
- 2 CNC-milled uprights, hard anodized.
- 2 CNC-milled disc bells, hard anodized.
- 2 Brembo Formula 3 brake discs.
- 2 Brembo Formula 3 monoblock calipers.
- 2 laser-cut retaining rings and all necessary mounting materials.
- 2 Hirschmann rod ends for wishbones and tie rod ends.
- Other specially manufactured parts for perfect integration.
With this solution, we offer a well-thought-out, technically flawless product that sustainably improves the performance of your Caterham.
Compatibility and Successes:
This conversion is suitable for all Caterham models. For the Caterham CSR, the original wheels are replaced with our S3/SV wheels, combined with wider rear fenders for a 38 mm wider track. This configuration has achieved several podium finishes at the legendary 500 km night race, the 500 Nocturnes, competing against established racing vehicles from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, and Ligier.